Scorsese and King Have Their Own Queen

Martin Scorsese and Initial Entertainment Group’s Graham King are reteaming to produce The Young Victoria, which will chronicle the early life of the famed British monarch. Canadian helmer Jean Marc Vallee will direct from a script by Academy Award-winning screenwriter Julian Fellowes.

Indie project was introduced to King by Duchess of York Sarah Ferguson. She provided her unique insights into the lively Victoria, who reigned for 63 years until her death in 1901. Fergie is attached to produce, along with Tim Headington.

King, who is British, has a well-established relationship with Scorsese, having produced The Departed, The Aviator and Gangs of New York.

“Young Victoria” will focus on the first, often turbulent, years of the monarch’s rule — she became queen at 18 — and her legendary romance and marriage to Prince Albert. Devastated by her husband’s death in 1861, she wore black for the rest of her life and remained largely secluded.